AMHERST COLLEGE - Supplement "Stereotype"

Please respond to one of the following quotations in an essay of not more than 300 words. It is not necessary to research, read, or refer to the texts from which these quotations are taken; we are looking for original, personal responses to these short excerpts. Remember that your essay should be personal in nature and not simply an argumentative essay.

"Stereotyped beliefs have the power to become self-fulfilling prophesies for behavior."

The idea of a stereotype doesn't appeal to me. Nobody should be subject to any form of stereotype. Whether good or bad, ultimately, they disrespect the individuality of humans and potentially can oppress the unique development of people.

I don't think that stereotypes necessarily have a strong tendency to be self-fulfilling but rather have a destructive nature as they make us fit the way society perceives us and can bring about frustration. It is a genuine feeling of helplessness to know to be judged by others. Nobody can change that, yet we are able to alter the way we respond to stereotypes; subsequently, this will determine how we progress in life.

All of us will face judgment at some point; the difference is whether we believe in prejudices and let them influence us or if we trust ourselves and know what we really are.

I have participated in two exchange years. Living in very unfamiliar environments and different cultures for two years, I learned one lesson the most: nothing can beat a person with an open-minded attitude that approaches others and shows interest. After all, it just doesn't matter where you are from and what you look like as long as you trust yourself and, most importantly, be yourself.

Human beings are incredibly complex and unique; what a waste it would be to listen to stereotypes.

What do you folks think about me using the us tense a lot?

I would greatly appreciate the kind of feedback that points out the sections of the essay where the flow just doesn't chime as nicely with the topic and the sentences around

This is a good rough draft. Your idea is overall good-- stereotypes homogenize cultures, people, into meaningless and untrue words---
I think you could bring in a little more meaning if you make this a little more nuanced. Perhaps give a time when you were stereotyped or when you stereotyped someone etc. Make this so it speaks to you, at this point it is as if anyone could have written this. Good start though.

Read mine?!

"I don't think that stereotypes necessarily have a strong tendency to be self-fulfilling but rather have a destructive nature as they make us fit the way society perceives us and can bring about frustration"

Condense this, if i were to it would go something like: "In my eyes, stereotypes only carry a destructive connotation. Stereotypes allow society to bind us to preconceived identities soley based on external factors." etc...

hope that is helpful.

that was great help thank you
=)